The Department of Defense (DoD), primarily through the U.S. Space Force, is committing substantial resources to develop on-orbit servicing (OOS) capabilities, including satellite refueling, repair, and debris removal. In fiscal year 2025, the Space Force has budgeted $20 million specifically for research and development on on-orbit servicing technologies to increase satellite maneuverability and longevity. This funding is part of a broader strategy to support space operations resilience and independence, particularly for military satellites, which face increasing operational demands and potential threats
As the DoD prioritizes on-orbit servicing to extend the lifespan and resilience of space assets, it faces a set of unique challenges rooted in materials science and manufacturing. Building satellites and OOS technologies that can withstand extreme temperatures, radiation, and the physical demands of space requires significant advances in both material durability and precision manufacturing. Through public-private partnerships, the DoD is leveraging commercial innovations to address these challenges and accelerate capability development.

Wright Brothers Institute (WBI) performed a study and market assessment to deconstruct the problems impeding OOS capability development. The study began with of a series of workshops to understand the current approaches and identify the gaps. Subject matter experts from NASA and other DoD attendees helped formulate the specific opportunities for development and transition partnerships. WBI's analysts performed market research to evaluate emerging materials and manufacturing capabilities with scalability and transition pathway potential.
1. Sharing Costs in Research and Development (R&D)
One of the primary benefits of public-private partnerships is cost-sharing in R&D. Instead of bearing the full burden, the DoD can co-fund projects with industry partners, pooling resources to support the development of OOS capabilities. For instance, the Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC), established by the DoD, facilitates partnerships with commercial companies to fund projects that develop technologies for satellite refueling, repair, and mobility
2. Leveraging Commercial Innovation
Working with private industry provides the DoD with access to cutting-edge technologies that are already in development for commercial purposes. Autonomous robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced materials are just a few areas where private companies excel, offering solutions that could be seamlessly adapted for defense needs. Northrop Grumman and Orbit Fab, for instance, are key partners working with the DoD on refueling and servicing vehicles, such as Orbit Fab’s in-orbit fuel depot (sources: C4ISRNet, Inside Defense). These technologies can then be applied to military satellites, allowing them to operate longer and remain resilient in increasingly contested orbits.
3. Accelerated Deployment Timelines
The pace of commercial development can be much faster than traditional defense procurement, allowing the DoD to accelerate its OOS capabilities. By collaborating with industry, the DoD can leverage flexible contracting models and rapid prototyping, which provide the flexibility needed in today’s evolving space domain. This responsiveness is particularly critical as other nations continue to expand their own space capabilities. For example, the Tetra-5 initiative—a DoD-funded program that uses small satellites with refueling capabilities—demonstrates the power of public-private collaboration in swiftly testing and deploying new space solutions (source: C4ISRNet).
4. Setting Standards for Interoperability
Another area where PPPs are invaluable is in establishing industry-wide standards for docking, refueling, and servicing protocols. Today, many satellites are not designed with servicing in mind, and developing standardized interfaces can significantly reduce operational complexities and costs. The Consortium for Execution of Rendezvous and Servicing Operations (CONFERS), initially funded by DARPA, is working to create these standards, ensuring that future military and commercial satellites can be seamlessly serviced by various providers (sources: SpaceNews, Inside Defense). Establishing a common framework for OOS operations also allows the DoD to collaborate with allied nations and private operators more effectively.
5. Risk Reduction Through Testing and Prototyping
Testing new technology in space is inherently risky, but the DoD can mitigate these risks by working closely with commercial firms that have already invested in similar technology. Public-private partnerships allow for shared prototyping efforts, where both the government and commercial companies can identify technical and operational challenges early on. For example, Northrop Grumman has successfully launched a satellite-servicing vehicle that autonomously extended the life of a commercial communications satellite (source: C4ISRNet). Such prototypes pave the way for reliable, scalable solutions that the DoD can adopt with reduced risk of operational failure.
6. Building an Advanced Workforce
As the DoD continues to work with the private sector, a major benefit is the exchange of expertise and knowledge. Through these partnerships, the DoD is building a workforce skilled in robotics, autonomous systems, and space operations. By involving industry experts and innovators, the DoD is effectively future-proofing its capabilities, ensuring a talent pipeline that can support the complex requirements of OOS in the years to come.

The Future of Space Operations
Through strategic public-private partnerships, the DoD is advancing its OOS capabilities faster and at a lower cost, positioning the U.S. to maintain leadership in space. These partnerships allow for shared investment in technology, faster deployment timelines, and a collaborative approach to standardization and interoperability. As these collaborations continue, the DoD’s space operations will become more resilient, adaptable, and ready to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving space environment. WBI's OOS Study and Market Assessment arms materials scientists with the information to source the right partners, faster combining the strengths of public and private sectors and helping the DoD is build a sustainable framework that not only enhances national defense but also propels the space industry as a whole forward.